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1874-4478/19 Send Orders for Reprints to reprints@benthamscience.net
1
The Open Transportation Journal
Content list available at: https://opentransportationjournal.com
RESEARCH ARTICLE
The Process of Land Passenger Transportation by International Bus Crossing
Lao and Vietnamese Border Gates
Sakkarin Nonthapot1,*, Tho Nguyen Dinh2 and Yen Truong Thuan2
1
Indo-China Country International Trade and Economic Research Sector, Faculty of Integrated Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai
Campus, Thailand
2
Faculty of Economics, University of Ha Tinh, Ha Tinh, Vietnam
Abstract:
Aims and Objectives:
The objective of this study is to compare and explain the process and time-cost of passenger transportation by an international bus crossing three
border gates between Laos and Vietnam, which are the (1) Nam Phao-Cau Treo (2) Na Phao – Cha Lo and (3) Dansavanh – Lao Bao border gates.
Methods:
The target groups of the research selected by purposive sampling are land passenger transportation service companies and land transport
passengers, who, through interviews and observations, are the Key Informants (KIs).
Results:
The results reveal that (1) there are many routes and bus companies that provide local and international passenger services. The main group of
passengers is Vietnamese crossing into Laos and linking to Thailand. (2) The international bus service across the Cha Lo-Na Pao border gates is
shorter than the other pair border gates (3) The information system for transportation is inefficient (4) The single window system policy at
Dansavanh – Lao Bao border gates can reduce the immigration checkpoint process by about 30 - 60 minutes.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the governments of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand should focus on intergrating transportation policy, such as employing one bus from
Vietnam to Thailand per day starting in Vietnam and traveling to Thailand, crossing at the Na Phao-Cha Lo border gates and reducing the time at
the immigration checkpoint in order to enhance and support economic cooperation in this region.
Keywords: Land passenger, Border gates, GMS, Laos-vietnam, Transportation, Key Informants.
Article History Received: November 27, 2018 Revised: December 27, 2018 Accepted: January 3, 2019
1. INTRODUCTION tant economic driver. The Asian Development Bank [1]
It is clear that transportation is currently a vital activity focused on the GMS transport strategy from 2006 – 2015 on
because good transportation can help in the sale of various land transport by road, especially between Laos and Vietnam.
products and services and deliver passengers to many desti- According to the GMS transport development policy, the
nations. The Greater Mekong subregion, or GMS, comprises East-West Corridor is one of the most important transportation
five countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and development projects because it integrates and promotes the
Vietnam) and two provinces of China (Yunnan and Guangxi). economic development of the GMS countries.
The GMS has launched a transport project which follows the
GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework The East-West Economic corridor is based on land
2012–2022 [1]. The transport system of the GMS is an impor- transportation on about 1,450 km of road from the west end at
the port city of Mawlamyine (Myanmar), crossing the Thai
*
Address correspondence to this author at the Indo-China Country International provinces of Tak to Mukdahan. After that, it crosses Savan-
Trade and Economic Research Sector, Faculty of Integrated Social Sciences,
Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Thailand, Tel: +66830595858;
nakhet province in Laos to Quang Tri, Hue Provinces and Da
E-mail: sakkno@kku.ac.th Nang city in Vietnam at the east end of the route (Fig. 1).
DOI: 10.2174/1874447801913010001, 2019, 13, 1-10
2 The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 Nonthapot et al.
Lao Cai
BANGL
Thaibaw
Lang Son
Northeastern Fangchang
Corridor Yen Bai
Mandalay Kep Eastern
Mohan HA NOI
Nateuli Boten Hai Phong Corridor
Hoa Binh
Loitem Tachitek Louangnamitha Niah Binh
M Y A N M A R Nateuli L A O P O R Gulf ofTankin
Mae-Sol
Thanh Hoa
Central
Chiang Rai
Pyay Corridor
NAYPYIDAW Vinh
Vang Vieng Pakkading
Western
Corridors Ban-Lao
East-West
VENTIANE
Corridor
Nong Khai
Denchai Loei Nakhon Phanom Thakhek SOUTH CHINA SEA
Dong Ha
Udon Thani
Hue
Pathein Mukda Han
Tak Da Nang
Khon Kaen
Yangon Phistanulok Khanthabouly
Mae-Sol Kalasin
Saravan
Mawlamyine T HAI LAN D
Dung Quat
Gulf of Chaiyaphum Pakse
Nakhun Swan Attapeaur V I E T N A M
Martban
Dietri
Ye
Nakhon Ratchasima
Quy Nhon
Pleiku
Dawai Stung Treng
ANDAMAN SEA BANGOK
Sitem Reap
Chanburi C A M B O D I A Southern
Consider
Myaik Sattahip
Da Lat
Koh Kong
Gulf of Thailand
GMS Prachuap Khiri Khan
Koh Kong
PHNOM PENH Go Dau
CORRIDORS Svay Riang
Fig. (1). The east-west & central corridors [2] map.
Table 1. Number of international passengers entering laos at Lao border gates.
Provinces Home 2015a 2016b %∆ 2015a 2016b %∆
Countries
Border Gates Pakxan Nam Phao
Bolikhamxay Thailand 25,475 22,457 2,666 1,843 -30.87
(Area A) Vietnam 2,284 1,419 -37.87 237,373 200,373 -15.59
Others 364 433 18.96 5,754 5,330 -7.37
Total 28,123 24,309 -13.56 245,793 207,546 -15.56
Border Gates Thai-Lao Friendship BridgeIII Na Pao
Khammoun Thailand 85,747 102,862 19.96 5,616 5,626 0.18
(Area B) Vietnam 29,134 31,255 7.28 169,446 173,082 2.15
Others 7,080 7,076 -0.06 286 287 0.35
Total 121,961 141,193 15.77 175,348 178,995 2.08
Border Gates Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II Dansavanh
Savanakhet Thailand 738,091 592,671 -19.70 31,749 32,659 2.87
(Area C) Vietnam 34,665 32,116 -7.35 291,825 188,820 -35.30
Others 14,750 12,508 -15.20 5,306 4,688 -11.65
Total 787,506 637,295 -19.07 328,880 226,167 -31.23
Source: a Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Tourism Research Division [4]
b
Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Tourism Research Division [5]
The East-West Corridor development project has which links Vientiane and Hanoi by the Nam Phao (Laos) –
accelerated road development, and international buses have Cau Treo (Vietnam) border gates. This policy is a practical
become a popular choice for passengers from many countries transportation project which is part of the GMS Economic
who cross border gates on international buses. In particular, at Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2012–2022. It is a
the Laos and Vietnam borders, there are a lot of passengers developmental policy that is intended to decrease the time
from Vietnam and Thailand. In addition, the East-West spent at the transport crossing at the border gates in the Central
Corridor development project in Laos and Vietnam, along with Corridor. In addition, on these Central Corridor routes,
the road expansion of the Central Corridor, link Laos and passengers can travel the short distance between Thailand and
Vietnam because the Central Corridor is a major gateway Vietnam while travelers from Lao need to cross at the Na Phao
The Process of Land Passenger The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 3
(Laos) – Cha Lo (Vietnam) border gates. 2. LITRATURE REVIEW
Table 1 shows the number of international passengers Transportation cost is an appropriate variable which some
entering through the Nam Phao border gates. In total, there studies include as an explanatory variable for international
were 245,793 and 207,546 passengers in 2015 and 2016, passenger or tourist arrivals [8]. Hence, Wattanakul and
respectively. In 2015 and 2016, the total number of passengers Nonthapot [9] found that economic development was pos-
who passed through the Dansavanh border gates was 328,830 itively related with transportation cost, the frequency of
and 226,167, respectively. This indicates that the passenger travelling, GDP and the number of border passengers between
number at the two border gates decreased. In contrast, the Thailand and Laos at the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in
number of passengers passing through the Na Pao border gate Nong Khai Province, Thailand.
(Khammoun Province, Laos) grew from 2015 to 2016. The Nonthapot and Wattanakul [10], also revealed that tourism
number of passengers who passed through the Cha Lo border demand development in this region needs infrastructure to
gate (Vietnam) to Laos to link to Thailand increased from support tourism arrivals, especially in regard to the capacity of
169,446 to 173,082, which is an increase of 2.08 percent. The Laos because the country is the main provider of land trans-
number of Thai and other passengers (excluding Vietnamese) portation for tourism in the upper-ASAEN region.
also grew. In addition, based on the statistics shown in Table 1, Additionally, Nonthapot and Lean [6] also found that a high-
Vietnam and Laos attempted to increase the number of regional speed train project in Laos would develop land transportation
and international passengers. In 2017, the governments of Laos in the Indo-China countries. Additionally, the transportation
and Vietnam also agreed to improve the immigration and sector was found to be one of the most influential sectors in the
customs processes at the two pairs of border gates at Cha Lo – economy and mediates between tourism expansion and
Na Phao, and Cau Treo – Nam Phao [3]. economic growth in the GMS [11].
Focusing on the immigration processes and the great The effect of the transportation sector on the economy was
distances for land transport passengers traveling on inter- confirmed by the study of Wattanakul and Nonthapot [9];
national buses in Laos and Vietnam, which are parts of the Nonthapot and Lean [6] which determined the impact of the
Central & East-West Corridors, all international buses have to size of international tourist supply. However, Kampan [12]
cross three pairs of border gates. As shown in Fig. (2), area A explained that highway border links are few and far between in
is the Cau Treo (Vietnam) and Nam Phao (Laos) border gates; the GMS countries, which forces traffic through major des-
area B is the Cha Lo (Vietnam) and Na Pao (Laos) border gates tinations. Cambodia, however, is upgrading highway border
while the Lao Bao (Vietnam) and Dansavanh (Laos) border crossings between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, and Vietnam
gates are area C. Nowadays, these three areas have become is also expanding the highway which directly links to Laos via
major international gates for road transportation because these the Cua Treo border gate. These projects are part of the
border gates process local and international passengers from strategy for GMS logistics development for the benefit of the
many countries who visit the GMS countries. Nevertheless, regional economy.
these three areas also have barriers and threats to the
Transportation indirectly contributes to the regional
international passenger transport process. Furthermore, each
economy and the overall socio-economic profile of all
GMS country and the Asian Development Bank promote the
contributing regions that are connected by the transportation
GMS as a single destination through road transport [6].
routes. Hensher [13] suggested the reform of land passenger
There are many previous studies about international transport in the United Kingdom can be timesaving. Land
passenger transportation in the GMS countries. However, the transportation can also help in improving the efficiency of
study of the process of land passenger transportation by regional transport services [14] and in reducing travel time,
international bus between Laos and Vietnam border gates which increases the marginal product of labour in the economic
based on the East-West Corridor (Area A) and the Central system [15]. However, although the Greater Mekong subregion
Corridor (Area B and C) in Laos and Vietnam has received countries have different forms of government, they work
limited attention. The Na Phao (Laos) and Cha Lo (Vietnam) together in ASEAN. The previous study of regional transport
border gates are particularly interesting because the number of focused on economic theories and the role of transportation, in
passengers is increasing. Therefore, this study proposes to fill particular, the role of international passengers in helping
this gap by explaining the process and time-cost of passenger economic expansion in the GMS countries, especially in Laos
transportation by international bus in these areas. The next and Vietnam. Nevertheless, land transportation by road by
section presents the relevant literature. After that, the research international bus via Laos and Vietnamese border gates is also
methodology is described; section 4 presents the empirical necessary for local communities, based on the East-West
results, and the last section presents the conclusions and Corridor (Area A) and the Central Corridor (Areas B and C).
discussion. The conceptual framework of this study is presented in Fig. (3).
4 The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 Nonthapot et al.
4A Laos 7
Xayaboury Phonsavan
O Vang Vieng Vuron Quoc
A
4 gia Pu Mat
NAN Vinh
Hong Linh
AH15
BUENG KAN B
Ha Tinh
8
Vientiane
Nakai-Nam
Theun NBCA
T Dong Hoi
LOEI NAKHON 12
UDON THANI
PHANOM
SAKON NAKHON C
TSANULOK
Dong Ha
10
MUKDAHAN Hue
KHON KAEN KALASIN
HIT PHETCHABUN
Da Nang
ROI ET
Salavan
CHAIYAPHUM YASOTHON Hoi An
WAN 15
Sekong
Thailand UBON
Pakse
Dong Hua
Tam Ky
Quang
RATCHATHANI
NAKHON Sao National
BURI RAM
RATCHASIMA Bio-Diversity... AH17
LOPBURI
AH132
JRI
SARABURI
13 Vietnam
Note: 1 is Cau Treo (Vietnam) & Nam Phao (Laos) border gates
2 is Cha Lo (Vietnam) & Na Pao (Laos) border gates
3 is Lao Bao (Vietnam) & Dansavanh (Laos) border gates
Soure: Google Map [7]
Fig. (2). Three pairs of border gates between Vietnam & Laos.
Route services and international bus company study
Interview and Observation
Problem of Land Transport Passenger
Fig. (3). Conceptual research framework.
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY [2] Land transportation passengers are represented by 8-10
respondents
3.1. Target Group and Key Informants
The target groups of the research are land passenger 3.2. Tools and Data Collection
transportation service companies and land transport,
passengers. The research focuses on Key Informants (KIs) by The routes are surveyed in the first step. Next, the land
purposive sampling as follows: transportation passenger service entrepreneurs in Vietnam and
Laos are contacted. The researcher employs semi-structured
[1] Land transportation passenger service entrepreneurs interviews for the international passenger transport companies
are represented by 5 -6 companies and international land passengers. Semi-structured interview
The Process of Land Passenger The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 5
questions are sent to five experts to establish content validity. two borders, all passengers have to cross the two border gates
Moreover, in the analysis, observation of the immigration on foot. Buses from Vietnam travel to Hong Linh Town (Ha
process is conducted at the border crossings. Tinh Province), then along highway 8, direct to Vientiane
(Laos) by crossing the Cua Treo border gate and the Nam Phao
3.3. Data Analysis border gate. Buses from Laos travel from Bolikhamxay
Province (Laos) to Hong Linh Town (Ha Tinh Province), then
The qualitative analysis is employed to explain the
along highway 1, direct to Hanoi or Ha Tinh Province of
quantitative data. The quantitative data also include the routes
Vietnam by crossing the Nam Phao and the Cua Treo border
and processes of passenger transportation by international bus
gates. Information in regard to the international buses traveling
in these areas. The data are acquired by observation. The mean
between Vietnam and Laos via the Cua Treo Border – Nam
for the time spent in the immigration process is then calculated.
Phao border gates is shown in Table 2.
The interview data will be examined to determine the cause
and effect relationships. The problems of bus companies and Cha Lo border gate is located in Quang Binh Province,
passengers are then analyzed by employing qualitative data Vietnam. This border is open every day between 07.00 am and
analysis. 18.00 pm. Most passengers are Vietnamese especially from the
Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces. Passengers who travel to
4. RESULTS visit Khammoun Province (Laos) and Nakhom Phanom
Province in Thailand by road have to cross the Cha Lo border
4.1. Routes and Process of Passenger Transportation by gate in Vietnam and the Na Pao border gate in Laos. The
International Bus distance from the Cha Lo Border gates to Thailand across the
The routes and processes of passenger transportation by Khammoun Province of Laos is about 176 km, which takes
about 4 hours by car (Fig. 5).
international bus across the three pairs of border gates are as
follows: In order to complete the passenger process between the
two border gates, the passengers have crossed the two border
Cau Treo or Keo Nue border gate is located in Ha Tinh
gates on foot. Buses from Vietnam travel on highway number
Province, Vietnam. This border is open every day between
12, direct to Thakhek City (Laos) before entering Thailand.
07.00 am and 18.00 pm. Passengers from Vietnam who visit
International buses from Laos travel from Thakhek City (Laos)
Bolikhamxay Province and Vientiane (Laos) by road need to
to Vietnam by road number AH131 and by highway number
cross at this border crossing (Fig. 4). The Lao border crossing
AH1 in Vietnam, from where they can travel either to Ha Tinh
that is opposite the Cau Treo border is Nam Phao
or Quang Binh provinces. The information on international
(Bolikhamxay Province, Laos).
buses from Vietnam and Laos via the Na Pao border – Cha Lo
In order to complete the passenger process between the border gates are shown in Table 3.
Table 2. International buses from Vietnam and Laos via the Cua Treo border – Nam Phao border gates.
Starting During Frequency/
No Route Price/Pax
Time Time Company
Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Thanh Hoa - Vinh – Hong Linh (Ha Tinh) – Cau Treo Border Gate in Ha
1 Tinh Province - Nam Phao Border Gate in Bolikhamxay Province – Pakxan- Souhern Bus 18.30 pm 22 hours 25 USD Daily
Station (Vientiane)
Souhern Bus Station (Vientiane) – Pakxan - Nam Phao Border Gate in Bolikhamxay Province
2 - Cau Treo Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province - Hong Linh (Ha Tinh) - Vinh - Thanh Hoa - 18.30 pm 22 hours 25 USD Daily
Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Ha Tinh (Vietnam) – Cau Treo Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province – Nam Phao Border Gate in
3 04.00 am 16.00 pm 15 USD Daily
Bolikhamxay Province – Pakxan- - Souhern Bus Station (Vientiane)
Souhern Bus Station (Vientiane) – Pakxan- Nam Phao Border Gatein Bolikhamxay Province-
4 10.00 am 20.00 pm 15 USD Daily
Cau Treo Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province Border Gate - Ha Tinh (Vietnam)
Table 3. International Buses from Vietnam and Laos via the Cua Treo Border – Nam Phao Border Gates (continue).
Starting During Frequency/
No Route Price/Pax
Time Time Company
Vinh City Bus Station (Vietnam) – Cau Treo Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province – Nam
Daily
5 Phao Border Gate in Bolikhamxay Province – Thakhek Bus Station (Khammoun 20.00 15.00 12 USD
(Vietnam Company)
Province, Laos)
Thakhek Bus Station (Khammoun Province, Laos) - Nam Phao Border Gate in
Daily
6 Bolikhamxay Province- Cau Treo Border Gate in Ha Tinh Province Border Gate - Vinh 07.00 18.00 12 USD
(Vietnam Company)
City Bus Station (Vietnam)
Source: from representative bus company interviews and observations
6 The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 Nonthapot et al.
QL48C QL48A
QL48D
Long Tieng QL48E QL1A
Thathom Vuon Quac
Vang Vieng
gia Pu Mat
Pouy
Sana Somboun QL7A
Tha Heua Cura Lo
y Na Nang
QL46A
Nam Cap
Muang Noi Phi La Vinh
y
Phonhong Hong Linh
Phou Khao 7 h 10 min
Khouay 13 382 km
National Cau Trec Border Pass
Bio Na Hin Lak Sao
8 QL1A
Vientiane Prefecture QL15
Vientiane Khu bao
9 h 10 min Nakai-Nam ton Thien
510 km Ban Phong Theun NBCA nhien Ke Go
Phalat
AH131
QL12A
N
Sop Ma
ek
ng
o
Nakai
Riv 12 Vuon Quoc
er
LOEI gia Phong
Mahaxay Ban Xoang
UDON THANI NAKHON 12 Nha Ke Bang
22
PHANOM Bualapha
22 QL
NONG BUA
LAM PHU
9 h 34 min Nong Bok
545 km
Ban Bong
m Nao Phon Xang
10 He National V ai
2
nal Park
Bio-DivarsitV...
Fig. (4). Route of international buses via the Cua Treo border–Nam Phao border gates (Google Map, [7]).
1E
Khu bao
Thong Long
ton Thien
13 QUANG DON
Nakai-Nam AH131
nhien Ke Go
Theun NBCA QL12A
Phong
Cuapo
Sop Ma QL12A
212 Phou Hi Poun 1E
Hinboun National
QL15 QL1A
Bio-Diversity...
Ban Lao QL16
3 h 37 min 12
Nakai 176 km
Vuon Quoc
212 gia Phong
Nha Ke Bang
Na Hi
12
Ban Xoang
Mahaxay Hin Nammo QL15
Nakhon Phanom National
122
Bio-Diversity...
22 Bualapha QL15
Pa Ac
212
Ban Cang Taile
Nong Bok
Pha Cat
Nohou
Fig. (5). Route of international buses via the Cha Lo–Na Phao border Gates (Google Map, [7]).
The Process of Land Passenger The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 7
QL15 QL1
NAKHON QL1A
Nong Bok
QL15
Ban Bong
Phou Xang
Vang Hai Dong Ha
10 He National
Bio-Diversity...
9E
10 Xepon QL49B
Lao Bao Border
Savannakhet Phin
Dong Phou Hue
3 h 59 min Muang Huong Tra
23
236 km Vieng National Samoyay
Huong Thuy
13
Lanong
Bio-Diversity...
QL49
Lahanam
QL14
Da Nang
Ta Vang QL14G
Hoi An
AMNAT Xe Ban Nuan
Fig. (6). Route of international buses via the Lao Bao – Dansavanh border gates Google Map, [7].
The Lao Bao border gate is located in Quang Tri Province Dansavanh border gates, the steps are similar to the Lao Bao
(Vietnam). The border is open every day between 07.00 am border gate. From the interviews, the passengers stated that the
and 22.00 pm. The passengers from Vietnam, especially from immigration process was reduced by about 30 - 60 minutes,
Qung Tri, Hue Provinces and Da Nang City, prefer to enter
depending on the number of passengers.
through Savannakhet province (Laos) to Thailand by bus.
Passengers have to cross at the Lao Bao border and Dansavanh
border gates. The Dansavanh border gate is also the principal 4.2. Comparison of Time Spent at Immigration for
entry point into Laos for passengers from Central Vietnam. Passenger Transportation by International Bus in Each
Fig. (6) presents the distance from the Lao Bao border gate to Area
Savannakhet Municipality, which is about 236 km. All
passengers spend 4-5 hrs traveling on road number 9E in Laos. Evaluating the time spent at each border gate in Laos and
Vietnam has limitations because there are many international
All passengers have to walk between the two border gates
buses that arrive at the border gate at night before the border
on foot, as in areas A and B. Buses from Vietnam travel to
Savannakhet Province (Laos). Passengers can then select gate opens, such as the Vientiane – Hanoi route. International
various destinations in Laos or connect to Mukdahan Province buses arrive 2-3 hours before the Nam Phao border gate opens.
(Thailand) by bus. Buses from Laos travel from Vientiane or Sometimes, passengers sleep for 2 hrs in a hostel or
Savannakhet Province to Vietnam by road number AH16 and guesthouse. Then, at about 6.00 am, the international bus staff
highway number AH1 in Vietnam to Dong Ha City. From members call the passengers to rejoin the bus to travel to the
highway number 1, passengers can continue to the Southern borders.
provinces of Vietnam via the East-West corridor to Hue
Province and Da Nang City. The information on international Table 5 presents the results of the time spent by passengers
buses from Vietnam and Laos via the Lao Bao border – at each pair of border crossings. The results reveal that the time
Dansavanh border gates is shown in Table 4. The two border spent at Na Pao (Laos) – Cha Lo (Vietnam) border gates, or
gates use a single window system which provides a one-stop area B, is less than in areas A and C. Moreover, if passengers
service at immigration. If a passenger wants to enter Vietnam,
travel from Da Nang City (Vietnam) to Vientiane, the bus will
they have to stop at the Lao Bao border gate. They give their
passports to Lao immigration staff to complete Lao procedures, arrive at the border gate checkpoint at approximately 4.00 –
and then they are passed on to Vietnamese immigration staff 4.30 am. The passengers need to wait on the bus or at a food
(Fig. 7). If passengers come from Vietnam through the shop until the border checkpoint opens at 07.00am.
8 The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 Nonthapot et al.
Table 4. International buses from Vietnam and Laos via the Cha Lo border – Na Phao border gates.
During Frequency/
No Route Starting Time Price/Pax
Time Company
Dong Hoi Bus Station (Quang Binh Province) –Cha Lo Border Gate in Quang Binh
Daily/
1 Province (Vietnam) – Na Pao Border Gate in Khammoun Province (Laos) – Thakhek 06.00 am 16.00 pm 10 USD
Lao Company
Bus Station
Thakhek Bus Station – Na Pao Gate in Khammoun Province (Laos) - Cha Lo Border
06.30 am, 16.00 pm, Daily/
2 Gate in Quang Binh Province (Vietnam) - Dong Hoi Bus Station (Quang Binh 10 USD
07.00 am 16.30 pm Lao Company
Province)
Ha Tinh Bus Station – Cha Lo Border Gate in Quang Binh Province (Vietnam) – Na Daily/
3 06.00 am 13.00 pm 15 USD
Pao Border Gate in Khammoun Province (Laos) – Thakhek Bus Station Dat Viet Company
Thakhek Bus Station – Na Pao Gate in Khammoun Province (Laos) - Cha Lo Border Daily/
4 7.00 am 14.00 pm 15 USD
Gate in Quang Binh Province (Vietnam) - Ha Tinh Bus Station Dat Viet Company
Source: from representative bus company interviews and observations
Fig. (7). One stop service for all passengers (left is departure, right is arrival).
Table 5. International buses from Vietnam and Laos via the Lao Bao Border – Dansavanh Border Gates.
Starting During Frequency/
No Route Price/Pax
Time Time Company
Da Nang Bus Station – Quang Tri - Lao Bao Border Gate in Quang Tri
Thursday & Friday/
1 Province (Vietnam) – Densavanh Border Gate in Savanakhet (Laos) – 7.30am 16.00pm 18 USD
Danatra co Bus
Savanakhet Bus Station
Savannakhet Bus Station – Densavanh Gate in Savannakhet (Laos) – Lao Bao
Thursday & Friday/
2 Border Gate in Quang Tri Province (Vietnam) - Quang Tri - Da Nang Bus 10.00am 17.00pm 18 USD
Danatra co Bus
Station
Daily/
Da Nang Bus Station – Hue- Qung Tri - Lao Bao Border Gate in Quang Tri 18.00pm
Yen Hai, Huong Son,
3 Province (Vietnam) – Densavanh Border Gate in Savanakhet (Laos) – Thakhek 15.00 pm (sleep at 20 USD
Hai Van, Danatraco,
– Pakxan- Southern Bus Station (Vientiane) border)
Chau Chinh and Van Vu
Daily/ Yen Hai, Huong
Souhern Bus Station (Vientiane) – Pakxan – Thakhek- Densavanh Gate in
Son, Hai Van,
4 Savannakhet (Laos) – Lao Bao Border Gate in Quang Tri Province (Vietnam) - 19.00 am 15.00 pm 20 USD
Danatraco, Chau Chinh
Quang Tri – Hue - Da Nang Bus Station
and Van Vu
The Process of Land Passenger The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 9
(Table 5) contd.....
Starting During Frequency/
No Route Price/Pax
Time Time Company
Southern Bus Station (Hue) -Qung Tri - Lao Bao Border Gate in Quang
5 TriProvince (Vietnam) – Densavanh Border Gate in Savanakhet (Laos) – 07.30 am 18.00 pm 13 USD Daily/
Savanakhet Bus Station
Savannakhet Bus Station – Densavanh Gate in Savannakhet (Laos) – Lao Bao
6 Border Gate in Quang Tri Province (Vietnam) - Quang Tri – Southern Bus 9.00 am 20.00 pm 13 USD Daily/
Station (Hue)
Source: From representative bus company interviews and observations
Table 6. Comparision of time spent on passengers in each area.
Process Time Spent at Area A Time Spent at Area Time Spent at Area C
B
1. Personnel Immigration 2.0 hrs 45 minutes 1.5 hr
2. Bus Immigration 1.5 hr 30 minutes 1.00 hr
3. Waiting for border gate opening The bus will arrive at the border checkpoint 15 minutes The bus will arrive at the border checkpoint
approximately 4.00am. The passengers need (rest time) at approximately 4:30 am. The passengers
to stay on the bus or at a guest house until the need to stay on the bus until the border
border checkpoint checkpoint
opens at 07.00am* opens at 07.00am*
(3 hrs) (2.5 hrs)
Total
2-5 hrs 1 hr 1.5-4.5 hrs
passenger time
Note: A is Nam Phao (Laos) – Cau Treo (Vietnam) border gates
B is Na Pao (Laos) – Cha Lo (Vietnam) border gates
C is Dansavanh (Laos) – Lao Bao (Vietnam) border gates
Source: From passenger interviews and observation
* It is only from Vientiane Capital to Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang routes.
4.3. Problems in the Land Passenger Transport Process international buses between Laos and Vietnam border gates
between the Vietmam and Laos Borders based on the Central Corridor, the results reveal that there are
The information system of the bus companies and the many routes and bus companies that provide services to local
times of transportation are inefficient because the ticket system and international passengers. The major group of passengers is
usually involves booking the ticket by phone and passengers Vietnamese who cross Laos to enter Thailand. From the study,
cannot book the ticket by application. it was found that a single window system at immigration
checkpoints can reduce the time spent in the immigration
As the majority of bus passengers are Vietnamese, the process. Passengers and buses can also reduce the immigration
entreprenuers of international bus services of Vietnamese checkpoint time by about 30 - 60 minutes. It is indicated that
companies aim to send international passengers from Vietnam this policy can help to reduce transportation time and costs.
(Hue, Quang Binh, Hatinh and Nge Anh Provinces) through These results are consistent with Gomez [14] and Hensher &
Nakhon Phanom province in Thailand within one day. Wang [15], who found that the improvement of land passenger
However, a bus has a maximum of 26 seats and cannot park at transport can increase productivity in the economy.
the Nakhon Phanom Bus Terminal.
However, the information system of bus companies and the
International buses from Vietnam must park at authorized
times of transportation are inefficient because ticket booking is
locations such as hotels or public places in Thailand. This
done by phone and requires numerous calls. In addition,
means a bus from Vietnam is only allowed to take tourists from
passengers need to find out the time of bus departure. These
Thailand.
problems indicate that the information system of bus
The number of international bus services on many routes companies needs to be improved to support the idea of a digital
cannot provide daily services. This makes planning difficult for economy, and, if possible, online booking should be introduced
passengers and tourists. for passengers.
Passengers who want to go from Danang need to contact International passenger transportation by bus also
the bus company by themselves or buy a ticket from a tour contributes jobs, products and tourism expansion in this area
agency. As international buses on Laos-Vietnam routes park at because passengers can see and visit many places along the
Da Nang Bus Station, the passengers have to find out about the Central and East-West Economic corridors. Moreover, this
bus departure time from the bus company. study also supports many studies about the impact of
transportation on economic expansion, such as Stabler,
5. DISCUSSION Papatheodorou and Sinclair, [8]; Nonthapot and Wattanakul [9]
In regard to the process and the time spent at border and Nonthapot [11], which indicate that transportation
crossings for land passenger transportation passengers on indirectly contributes to the regional economy.10 The Open Transportation Journal, 2019, Volume 13 Nonthapot et al.
CONCLUSION Research Council of Thailand and Khon Kaen University,
Division of Research Administration. I would extend special
The study aimed to investigate the process and the time
thanks for Ha Tinh University, Vietnam and International
spent at border crossings for land passenger transportation
Affairs Division of Khon Kaen University.
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© 2019 Nonthapot et al.
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